A heartbreaking case that has haunted one family for years is now back in the spotlight after new findings shed light on how a 14-year-old boy died during what was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime.
Edward “Eddie” Jarman was killed in 2020 while snorkeling in Mo’orea Bay in French Polynesia, after being struck by the propellers of a fast-moving speedboat.
Eddie, a British-Polish teenager, had been traveling the world with his family on a sailing adventure. They were just months away from heading home when everything changed.
According to findings presented at an inquest in Brighton, the boat that hit him was a five-meter inflatable vessel being operated by a local lagoon guide who had rented it for the day.
The impact was devastating.
Officials say Eddie suffered severe injuries to his head and chest, and despite efforts to save him after he was brought to shore, the injuries were determined to be instantly fatal.
The case has been especially painful for his family, who have spent four years pushing for answers and accountability.
One of the biggest questions has been how fast the boat was traveling.
Eddie’s father told investigators the boat came up behind them at full speed, describing it as “crazy” and dangerously close. But the driver claimed he was traveling below the local 20-knot speed limit and had slowed down in the area.
The coroner ultimately concluded the boat was likely within the speed limit — but noted that many places around the world wouldn’t allow that kind of speed so close to swimmers and anchored boats.
There were also troubling details about the driver’s condition.
Testimony revealed that the driver and his passenger had shared a bottle of wine earlier that day and had been drinking the night before. However, toxicology tests taken after the incident came back clear — something Eddie’s family has questioned.
Despite an initial investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter, authorities in French Polynesia chose not to file charges, saying there wasn’t enough evidence for a conviction. Appeals by the family were also unsuccessful, though they may still pursue further legal action in France.
In the end, the coroner did not rule the death as unlawful killing, instead issuing what’s known as a narrative conclusion — essentially outlining what happened without assigning criminal blame.
For Eddie’s family, the outcome has been devastating.
Kill my kid and yo ass is mine!